Can you Use Peptides with Niacinamide?
The beauty industry is continuously evolving meaning there is always something new to try! It can either be trending ingredients that have burst onto the scene improving everyone’s complexions, or others that have been around for a while and are simply gaining the praise they deserve!
When it comes to the ingredients, peptides and niacinamide with each of them providing impressive skin benefits it’s no wonder the question “can you use peptides with niacinamide” has been popping up repeatedly. If you’re unsure about what peptides are and how they benefit the skin, check out our blog post.
Can you not mix niacinamide and peptides together?
Yes, you can! It is considered perfectly safe to use niacinamide and peptides together. Because niacinamide can be used on almost all skin types, including those with mild sensitivity it is able to work with effectively with other skincare ingredients. The humectant traits of niacinamide enable it to draw in the water surrounding the skin and locking it into the natural protective barrier. With the skin microbiome able to fully function and remain at its healthiest state ensuring it is able to protect itself from exposure to free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
If you are wanting to get a better understanding of what you can’t mix with niacinamide you can check out our blog for more information.
Can I use niacinamide with copper peptides?
Yes, indeed you can, copper peptides provide impressive antioxidant benefits to the skin ensuring it is protected from free radical damage whilst repairing any that has already occurred. They can stimulate the production of elastin and collagen in the skin helping to give the complexion a smoother finish with fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced. With the added benefit of copper peptides also ensuring wounds heal quicker and teaming them with niacinamide will have impressive results. With niacinamide generally considered a highly hydrating ingredient that can be teamed with a great deal of other effective skincare ingredients (apart from vitamin C).
Copper peptides are known for increasing the blood circulation which is why it is so effective at healing wounds and other skin damage. One common side effect is how it can increase the redness or potential flushing of the face which can cause a great deal of irritation if you already using an ingredient that exfoliates the skin.
I have suggested in previous blog posts is how important it is to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new ingredient or formulation on the face.
What goes first peptides or niacinamide?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to skincare application is by starting with the thinnest consistency and finishing with the thickest. This helps gives us all a clearer understanding of how to apply our skincare products. One other factor that many of us don’t take into consideration is the fact our skin has a 24 hour circadian rhythm. This basically means our skin’s needs change depending on the time of day it is.
For example, during the AM it requires protection from free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors. Once the evening comes, the skin focuses on repairing and rejuvenating itself, many opting for formulas with higher potency as there is limited exposure to free radicals and plenty of time for the skin to recharge whilst you sleep.
Are peptides better than niacinamide?
Yes and no, this is because each ingredient performs different benefits for the skin. Peptides and niacinamide each target different concerns in the skin and by using them separately or layered on top of each other will result in an all-over improved complexion.
Here are some examples of concerns each of these ingredients can help,
Opt for Niacinamide if you have:
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and post acne scarring
Mild acne and breakouts
Redness and blotchiness to the skin, such as rosacea
The first signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet
Opt for Peptides if you have:
Loss of firmness and signs of sagging of the skin
Deep set and prominent wrinkles on the skin surface
Luckily for all of us we are able to team these powerhouse ingredients together and use them twice a day during your morning and evening routine.
Are ceramides or peptides better? There is no right or wrong answer to this as they both provide unique and effective benefits for the skin. Whether you choose to use them together or separately, you will be amazed with how your skin will look and feel. Skincare benefits of Ceramides Keeping the skin surface hydrated and moisturised Ensuring the skin barrier is fully functioning Improving the all over appearance of the skin Helping the skin to become firmer Enables the skin to protect itself from exposure to free radicals With the added boost in hydration and help with protecting from further skin damage, you’ll find that ceramides provide notable results with not only improving the health of the skin, but they also teach the skin to develop its own ceramides. This results in a smoother, healthier, and younger looking complexion. Skincare benefits of Peptides Improve the appearance of the skin tone Diminished signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles Restores protein in the lower layers of the skin Provides cell communicating benefits aiding a boost in collagen production Helps to maintain a smooth, healthy looking skin surface As previously mentioned, there are various peptides found in skincare formulations, all of which deliver their own unique benefits. The bonus is you are in fact able to use both ceramides and peptides together for a powerful skin boost. Do peptides really do anything? The short answer is yes, but only when used correctly. Due to the molecular size of peptides being so small they are able to penetrate into the deeper layers. Although peptides benefit the skin in various ways I have already mentioned, they are prone to breaking down rapidly. Because of this finding the best product that ensures you reap the rewards of using peptides in your skincare routine. For example, opting for a lightweight serum will result in the peptide not having to compete with the barrier of a thick cream that sits on the outer surface of the skin. If you are wanting to really pack a bunch when it comes to your skincare routine, opting to layer active levels of peptides with other potent skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide will result in an all-over improved finish to the skin. So, there you have a little more information about using peptides with niacinamide. Don’t forget, as always, if you have any questions come and follow Procoal’s Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
